Strikers thump Sixers to go top in BBL

Adelaide Strikers have shot back to the top of the BBL|04 laddder with a comfortable 23-run win over Sydney Sixers despite a late burst from Jordan Silk at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Strikers made an imposing 6-182 from their 20 overs, Craig Simmons top-scoring with 46 from 34 and man of the match Johan Botha blazing an unbeaten 41 off 19 to round out another high total for the boys in blue that ultimately saw them secure a home semi-final with a match to spare.

Tim Ludeman and Simmons got the Strikers off to another fantastic start, getting to 46 in the fourth over before Bollinger found the edge of Ludeman for 31 (15).

Simmons continued the onslaught before his innings stalled during the second spell of Nathan Lyon and the introduction of Steve O’Keefe.

It was Sean Abbott who eventually removed the big left-hander, after O’Keefe had got Jono Dean (13) to top edge and attempted swipe that gave Ryan Carters the simplest of catches.

Lyon, who was expensive early but returned impressively, then knocked over Travis Head (9), though his exit saw the arrival of Botha, who was in devastating touch.

At the other end, Dutchman Ryan ten Doeshcate made 26 from 20 as the Strikers finished with a flurry.

The total always looked beyond the Sixers, who began steadily enough before openers Michael Lumb (17) and Nic Maddinson (18) departed.

Despite an excellent knock from Silk, who made the fastest 50 by a Sixers player in BBL history (28 balls) as he blasted 67 off 34 balls, the wickets fell in a hurry and the run rate accelerated rapidly.

Botha took 2-27 off four to round out a superb captain’s display, Shaun Tait was brilliant and erratic at the same time with 2-29, and Kane Richardson also grabbed two before being a victim of Silk’s blitz to finish with 2-54.